Distributed Leadership

The model of distributed leadership continued on from its inception in 2014 and continues to be the ultimate school improvement strategy. The identification of high impact teachers within and outside of classrooms provides continual support for staff at all stages of their career. Importantly, this model aims to reduce the variability between classrooms. In-class coaching, goal setting and feedback strengthens teaching practice and improves the shared understanding of “what good looks like”. The internal leadership development programme continued throughout the year to build on understanding of self and extended to leading others, developing strategies for building trust, developing a shared understanding of effective Professional Learning Communities and giving and receiving feedback. A couple of unanticipated staffing changes early in the year interrupted our ability to provide the intensity of support that we pride ourselves on, and adjustments were needed to respond to the staffing challenges. The role of Impact Coaches and Behaviour Coaches were merged as we focussed on Engagement being the role of all Impact Coaches, without the previous delineation  between instructional practice and behaviour management.

LEAD Teachers 

Impact Coaches 

Part of the leadership development programme focuses specifically on developing opportunities for Level 3 Classroom Teacher aspirants, including the identification of aspirants and providing support at every stage of the L3CRT process. 

Student Leadership programme   

Lead by Mrs Mel Turkich (Yr 5/6 Impact Coach), eight elected Student Councillors are supported to develop their leadership skills through multiple opportunities throughout the year. As the representatives of the student voice, the Student Councillors attend and address the School Board to report back on school activities, focus areas and challenges. The  Councillors identify areas for improvement, researched solutions, work with office staff to investigate costs and see each project through to completion. An example of them using their voice to lead change is the installation of a new bike rack system, located in a more secure area of the school. The Councillors represent the school at the Remembrance Memorial, lead each assembly, welcomed special guests to the school. 

Rising Stars programme 

Again, this comprehensive induction programme provided thorough information, coaching, modelling and professional learning about what to teach and how to teach it for all new teachers to Challis. Whilst the programme has structured topics to be taught to all new staff, it is highly responsive to the feedback of participants and can be individualised when requested. The induction programme is part of the quality teaching strategy and also strongly supports the well being of new staff.